The Java History Trail is a 1.3-mile walking path through field, forest, and marsh that explores the history of the land and the people who lived and worked on it. Using the interpretive panels along the path, this is a self-guided walk through local history.Activities for before, during, and after the walk are available to enhance the educational experience.

The Java History Trail is often used in conjunction with Estuary Chesapeake. For large groups, or smaller groups with a whole day to visit, spend half of the day doing the Estuary Chesapeake program and half of the day walking the trail.

Indians of the ChesapeakeNative Americans were the first people to use this land. They did so up until Colonial settlement in the early 1600s.

Colonial Settlement and Plantation LifeAs the colonists arrived in the Chesapeake region, lands were cleared and farming was prevalent. This section of the trail includes a re-created tobacco barn, a tobacco prize (press) and panels that discuss the history of the site from about 1600 up to 1900.

Java Dairy FarmIn 1915, the farm was sold and turned into a dairy farm, which supplied milk for the local community and the Naval Academy.

Java's Return to NaturesIn the early 1960s, the property was bequeathed to the Smithsonian Institution, which developed a long-term ecological research program on the property. Over the years, the site has continued to be on the cutting edge of Chesapeake Bay research. This section of the trail includes a boardwalk through the marsh so you can get a closer look at the flora and fauna of the tidal wetlands.